Central London packed with revellers on Saturday night after lockdown easing

Police have made four arrests for COVID-19 rule breaches after hundreds of young people mobbed Harrods as crowds flocked back to central London during the first weekend since the nationwide lockdown was eased.

The Metropolitan Police was forced to break up a large gathering outside Harrods in Knightsbridge after throngs of young people had attempted to gain entry to the department store.

Pictures from Covent Garden also showed large crowds of people gathering, many not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Pubs and restaurants were extremely busy following their reopening as revellers were also pictured drinking in the street in large numbers.

Officers from the Met were called to Knightsbridge just after 1pm and four arrests were made for affray and social distancing breaches.

Large numbers of people stayed outside the store until later in the evening when the crowd eventually dispersed.

In a statement, the Met Police said: “Police were called at around 13:09hrs on Saturday... to reports of a large group of people attempting to enter a shop in Brompton Road, SW1.

“Four males were arrested in total – two for affray, one for breach of COVID regulations, and another for a public order offence and breach of COVID regulations. The crowd have since dispersed.”

Yahoo News UK has contacted Harrods for comment.

London remains in Tier 2 under the updated tier system to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Those living in Tier 2 can socialise outdoors with people outside their household, as long as they observe the rule of six.

Pubs have had their curfew extended to 11pm but can can only serve alcohol with a 'substantial meal' and in Tier 3 they are limited to just takeaways.

Watch: Crowds flock to Oxford Street after lockdown easing

Saturday’s scenes come after Professor Kevin Fenton, London director for Public Health England, urged people to stick to social distancing over fears the city could be placed under Tier 3 restrictions.

“The promising reductions we had begun to see with the recent national restrictions across the capital have shown signs of slowing in recent days – a stark reminder of just how delicate our situation is,” he told the Evening Standard on Friday.

“If we want to avoid being placed into Tier 3, it is vital we keep transmission down.

“As we make plans to go out this weekend, whether it’s shopping, eating out or meeting with friends outside, it is vital we remain vigilant and keep in mind that the virus is still present.

“Our actions over this weekend and in the weeks ahead will make a big difference to our outlook over the festive period and into the New Year.”

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